And when the plate is empty, the walk is done, the curtain has dropped, we will be fully sated. Because we didn't sneak it, deprive, shame, blame ourselves. We gave ourselves permission to enjoy it.

This week, I will buy myself a bouquet of flowers. It's money that could be more practically spent. But I will not love that $15.99 the way I will love those flowers on my bedside table. I will not get joy from that $15.99 the way I will from the lilies that crane their petals towards the sun.

And when the flowers are limp and dry, when the lily petals sag and fall to the floor, I will be sated. Because I allowed myself to fully and utterly indulge in them.

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